New interventions launched in Pakistan to contain polio

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a new set of interventions to contain the spread of poliovirus in Pakistan, the only other country than Afghanistan to report wild poliovirus cases last year.

The newly developed Integrated Package of Essential Health Services, launched in the south Asian nation, focuses on primary health care and cost-effective evidence-based interventions.

“We must all give our best on this last mile to eradicate polio once and for all. My wish for 2019 is for zero polio transmission. You have WHO’s full support to help reach every child and stop this virus for good,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was on a visit to Pakistan.

He appreciated the Pakistan government and partners and highlighted the critical importance of working closely with Afghanistan to prevent cross-border transmission.

Dr Tedros also confirmed WHO’s support to the government to develop financing options to help ensure access to health services for all Afghans.

In 2018, fewer than 30 cases were reported globally, and those were from these neighbouring nations.

Just three decades ago. wild Poliovirus paralyzed more than 350 000 children in more than 125 countries every year.